The release of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s latest venture, ‘Animal,’ has once again ignited a heated conversation about the fine line between portraying violence and intimacy in cinema. The film, known for its high dosage of both explicit content and intense violence, has stirred contrasting opinions both appreciation and criticism, much like Reddy’s earlier creation, ‘Kabir Singh.’
While some praised the film for its boldness and realism, Swanand Kirkire recently labeled it as terrible and embarrassing, particularly criticizing the portrayal of women in the storyline. He conveyed on X (formerly Twitter) that the film is tacking the future of Indian cinema in a “dangerous and alarming” direction.
Animal has faced backlash for portraying “toxic masculinity,” featuring scenes deemed inappropriate, and the use of vulgar language. ‘Animal’ has become the most divisive film of the year, facing criticism for promoting misogyny, and a nearly indecent portrayal of excessive violence, spanning mental, emotional, and physical aspects.
READ MORE: Film Review: Animal is not for faint hearted!
Adding to the discourse, renowned filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma recently shared an extensive review of the film on his Twitter handle. Though avoiding spoilers, Varma showered praise on the collaboration between Ranbir Kapoor and Sandeep Reddy Vanga, stating, “Ranbir’s portrayal in ‘ANIMAL’ showcases an unparalleled consistency and intensity rarely witnessed in 110 years of Indian cinema.”
Going a step further, Varma drew a bold comparison, asserting that Kapoor’s performance even surpassed Leonardo DiCaprio’s acclaimed act in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street.’
RGV went on to applaud Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s directorial prowess, acknowledging the film as a masterpiece. He appreciated Vanga’s departure from the trend of shortening scenes in contemporary cinema, praising the deliberate pacing that defies conventional norms.
RGV wrote, “From Alfred Hitchcock to Steven Spielberg to many directors of today, who believe that both film and scenes should be as short in length as possible to make a point, you took our own sweet time in cutting the throats of their beliefs, and I loved every inch of that length of urs (pun intended).”
“Animal” has undeniably become a cinematic force, sparking conversations that extend beyond the silver screen. As audiences grapple with conflicting opinions, the film’s controversy has added another layer to its narrative, making it a talking point in the world of Indian cinema. Is “Animal” Kapoor’s magnum opus, or does its controversial nature overshadow its cinematic brilliance? The debate rages on.
